How do I know when I am in Labor

I went to the the doctor last Thursday and he said I was 80-90% effaced but have not dilated (will be 37 weeks on Wed). He thinks I will have the baby this week. I have had braxton contractions and cramps (not to painful or regular). What does real labor feel like? Will I know?

Re: How do I know when I am in Labor

my ob bluntly said "when you feel like you were hit by a car, call me."



so that's what I'm going by....

we should be getting strong contractions 5 min apart for an hour... also call if your water breaks, becuase they usually want you to deliver within 24 hours.

go immediately to the hospital if your water breaks and it is not clear in color.....

Re: How do I know when I am in Labor

Yeah they keep telling me if the contractions take your breath away you are in labor. I was in on Tues with BH 3 min apart, was 80% effaced and a fingertip dilated- they thought I would be back in a day or two!! Nope- I'm still hanging on

Re: How do I know when I am in Labor

With DS I had a lot of pressure, like I felt he could fall out and I started to get regular painful cramps. They started out irregular for 2 days and then the night before I went into the hospital they went when 10 to 5 minutes apart. You will know. You might not feel hungry. You might go to the bathroom a lot.